Aids Candlelight Memorial on Sunday

The Malawi Network of People Living with HIV (Manet+) announced on Tuesday that the national launch of the 2012 International Aids Candlelight Memorial will be held on Sunday at Namitete Primary School ground along the Mchinji Road in Lilongwe.

The memorial is held every year on the third Sunday of May, which this year falls on May 20.

Speaking at a press conference in Lilongwe, Manet + executive director Safari Mbewe said Malawi needs to ensure that all infected people have access to treatment and that they are accorded the dignity they deserve.

“Our position as Manet+ is to ensure that every one has access to HIV services,” said Mbewe.

He said this year’s theme of ‘Promoting Health and Dignity Together’ aims at raising awareness and promoting respect for the rights of people living with HIV.

UNAids country coordinator Dr. Patrick Brenny said Malawi experiences some 50 000 new HIV infections every year, but he commended government for its commitment to rolling out new initiatives to fight the disease such as the promotion of male circumcision.